Sightseeing: Fine-grained Elbe beach against a picturesque backdrop
You probably don’t immediately think of a beach when you think of Hamburg. Yet Hamburg offers some beautiful Elbe beaches. The Elbe beach is 12 kilometres long in total. One of the most beautiful sections of the Elbe beach is the Blankenese Elbe beach. Here you can relax on the fine sand. Unwind, play a game of beach volleyball or meet up with friends for a picnic. The Stair Quarter Blankenese offers you a fantastic backdrop. It is one of the most beautiful neighbourhoods in Hamburg. The picturesque houses nestled against the hillside offer you Mediterranean flair on Blankenese beach – right in the centre of the city of Hamburg.
If you sit on the Elbe beach, you can watch boats time and again. They either sail into Hamburg harbour or out to sea. Sleek yachts, large tankers or huge cruise ships such as the AIDA or the Queen Elizabeth II are sure to leave a lasting impression. Of course, you will also find several restaurants on the Elbe beach. Stroll along the beach and you’ll find what you’re looking for. There is something for every taste and, of course, good fish. You have a wonderful view of the water while you eat.
History: Since 1301 fishing village on the Elbe beach Blankenese
The Blankenese Elbe beach takes its name from the old term ‘Blanke Nese’. It comes from the fact that the sandbank protrudes into the Elbe like a nose. The light-coloured sand glows in the sun. The beauty of the Blankenese Elbe beach gave the entire neighbourhood its name. However, the sandbank, which used to be particularly large, was partially washed away by a storm surge in 1634. But the current Blankenese beach is still large enough.
Blankenese is a former fishing village that was first mentioned in 1301. In addition to the fish trade, people lived from the fact that an important ferry connection across the Elbe was established here. Later, many retired captains settled here. Today, Blankenese is one of the wealthiest and most expensive neighbourhoods in Hamburg.
The Elbe beach at Blankenese is six nautical miles from the port of Hamburg. For many centuries, sailors have had special feelings when they sailed past here: Joy when entering the harbour, farewell when leaving.
Special tips: Enjoy the sunset on the Elbe beach
The sunsets on Blankenese beach are a special experience. When the sun sets over the Elbe, which is very wide at this point, you definitely get that holiday feeling. Enjoy it with a picnic.
Special tip: In front of Blankenese beach is the lighthouse Unterfeuer Blankenese, a photogenic, red and white striped, 32 metre high tower. There is a viewing platform at its foot, which you can reach via a footbridge from the shore. From here you have a fantastic view. To the rear, you can see the picturesque Stair Quarter Blankenese on the hillside. If you walk around the viewing platform, you can let your gaze wander over the Elbe. With a bit of luck, you might spot a cruise liner. Needless to say, this is also the perfect place to watch the sunset.
You will also have a special experience if you take the HRS Ferry ‘Kleine Freiheit’ from the Landungsbrücken in Hamburg harbour to the Bulln ferry pier off Blankenese.
Special tip: You can organise your trip to Blankenese Elbe beach in a variety of ways. Take a ferry for part of the route and then walk along the Elbe beach. Take ferry 62 from Landungsbrücken to the Övelgönne museum harbour pier. From there, you have a varied walk to the Elbe beach in Blankenese. It is four kilometres long and easy to walk.
You will see many highlights. Right at the beginning you will see the Övelgönne museum harbour. Sailing ships are moored here, some of which are over 100 years old. You feel like you’ve been transported back in time. The next highlight you walk past is the Övelgönne captain’s houses. The houses are steeped in history and convey pure romance. You can see how the captains lived in earlier centuries.
If you want to take a quick break, we recommend the Hamburg Beach Pearl, a well-known, iconic beach bar on the Elbe beach in Övelgönne. The closer you get to Blankenese, the more small marinas appear. And then you’ll soon be on the Elbe beach in Blankenese, where you can relax for the rest of the day. If you have some time, this walk is highly recommended. Of course, the path along the Elbe beach is also a wonderful running route. The Elbe beach is 13 kilometres long. Choose how far you want to walk.
Surroundings: From the Elbe beach in Blankenese via the Treppenviertel to Süllberg
Behind the Elbe beach in Blankenese lies the Stair Quarter Blankenese. The imposing houses are picturesquely built up the hillside. It could hardly be more romantic. You won’t believe you’re in a big city.
The Staircase District gets its name from the more than 5,000 steps that lead up through winding alleyways. Of course, you don’t have to take every step. Take your time and stroll through some of the alleyways. The higher up you go, the more beautiful your view over the Elbe becomes. Needless to say, the Treppenviertel is one of the most sought-after and expensive neighbourhoods in Hamburg due to its unique location.
If you walk up the stairs and keep left, you will come to the 75 metre high Süllberg. There used to be a medieval castle here. For over 100 years, a pub has been inviting you to linger. When the weather is nice, you can take a seat in the beer garden. You can enjoy the fantastic view of the Elbe, the Elbe beach and Blankenese.
